Full Print Edition

Nine men, including eight of whom are alleged gang members and associates, were recently charged in connection with committing drug and firearms violations around the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments, according to a press release.

The Mildred C. Hailey Apartments area has been the site of numerous shootings the past year, including the shooting death of Gerrod Brown on Oct 31. That led to a vigil and rally held by the Mildred C. Tenant Organization and other community members and leaders calling for more resources to help combat the violence. Mayor Martin Walsh, Boston Police Commissioner Bill Evans, and other City officials met with community members the next day promising resources.

The charges, which were announced on Jan. 8, range from conspiracy to distribute cocaine base to a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The charges follow a two-year investigation by federal and local law enforcement.

“Gangs are an organized, long-term threat to our neighborhoods,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling, according to the press release. “All of us have the right to live in safe communities – without fear of getting hurt, being subjected to drug dealing on our street corners, or our children being recruited into a life of crime. I will use the considerable resources of the Justice Department to afford every resident the right to live, work and play in a safe environment. I applaud the police officers and federal agents who spend their days identifying and building cases against the gangs in Boston’s neighborhoods.”

“These arrests come as a result of a two-year investigation working closely with our federal law enforcement partners,” said Boston Police Commission William Evans. “Public safety in Boston is my number one priority and I will continue to use all the resources available to target individuals driving violence in our city. I commend the work of my officers and all those involved in taking these dangerous individuals off the streets and the work they do every day to keep Boston safe.”

According to the press release, the following individuals are alleged members of the Heath Street Gang and are charged with distribution of controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a public housing development:

Cerone Davis, a/k/a “Jp,” 25, of Boston;

Joe Simmons, a/k/a “Profit,” 30, of Boston; and

Jarrod Simmons, a/k/a “Rizz,” 21, of Boston.

According to the press release, the following individuals are alleged members of the Heath Street Gang and are charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and distribution of cocaine base within 1000 feet of a public housing development:

Dominique Finch, a/k/a “Heff,” 27, of Boston;

James Finch, 32, of Boston, remains a fugitive;

Javonte Robinson, a/k/a “Biggie,” “Big Dog,” 21; and

Kevin Smith, a/k/a “Works,” 27, of Boston.

According to the press release, Franklin Safo-Agyare, a/k/a “Frankie So So Smooth,” 25, of Worcester, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

According to the press release, Kendrick Tate, a/k/a “K-Roc,” 25, of Chelsea, is an alleged member of the Health Street Gang and is charged with distribution of cocaine base and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Tate is currently in prison on unrelated state drug and firearm convictions.